ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: something that constitutes an end: such as

a

: conclusion

a movie with a happy ending

b

: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

Synonyms of ending

• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• culmination
• close

Examples of ending in a Sentence

I didn't like the book's ending.

Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.”

You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.

Recent Examples on the Web

The restoration reinstitutes the original ending of the film unseen by audiences since the 1940s. —Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

Here, Gadd breaks down the explosive ending of Half Man and how the show’s tense final fifteen minutes deliver the fates of Niall and Ruben, finally revealing what happens at Niall’s wedding to Alby (Charlie de Melo). —Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026

So no, Deborah was never going to die, and there were never any alternate endings beyond what wound up on screen. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 May 2026

But even still, endings are hard — and scary. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Rhymes for ending

• bending
• blending
• fending
• lending
• mending
• pending
• rending
• sending
• spending
• tending
• trending
• vending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending